Park Jumin "Medical School Quotas in 2025 May Be Discussed"
The opposition welcomed the 'formation of a ruling-opposition-parliament-government consultative body' proposed by Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, but set conditions such as an apology from President Yoon Suk-yeol and accountability measures for those responsible.
Amid the ongoing emergency room treatment crisis, medical staff are moving in front of the Regional Emergency Medical Center at Ewha Mokdong Hospital in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on the 4th, where military doctors have been additionally assigned to Kangwon National University Hospital, Ewha Mokdong Hospital, and Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@
The Democratic Party's Special Committee on Medical Crisis Countermeasures held a press conference on the 6th at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, evaluating the consultative body proposed by Leader Han as "a case of belated regret." "Belated regret" is an idiom expressing sorrow over something happening too late. The committee stated, "President Yoon Suk-yeol must acknowledge that the current medical crisis threatening the lives of the people is due to the government's policy failures and apologize to the public," and demanded "accountability and dismissal of those responsible, including Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong and Vice Minister Park Min-su, who caused the medical crisis through hasty policy implementation."
The Democratic Party is expected to continue pressuring the government and ruling party regarding the dismissal of those responsible. Park Joo-min, chairman of the special committee, emphasized, "The dismissal of those responsible and the formation of the consultative body can proceed simultaneously, but for smooth discussions, it would be better if it happens swiftly," adding, "Above all, the position is that the dismissal must definitely take place."
He also hinted at the possibility of revising the scale of medical school admissions for 2025 to encourage participation from the medical community. Chairman Park said, "There is no need to necessarily exclude the scale of medical school admissions for 2025 from the discussion," explaining, "Because it is necessary to induce and encourage participation from the medical community."
The Reform New Party also expressed the position that participation from the medical community is a priority. Kim Seong-yeol, chief spokesperson of the Reform New Party, stated, "The essence of the ruling-opposition-parliament-government consultative body is the attendance of the medical community," but added, "Even if dialogue is requested at this point, it is doubtful whether the medical community will actively engage." Furthermore, he emphasized, "There must be a clear apology for having portrayed the medical community solely as an interest group cartel," and "Only by sincerely listening and promising to reflect their views in policy can the medical community be brought to the dialogue table."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
